Places To Stay In Calabria

La Locanda di Alia is a 4-star inn exactly halfway between Naples and Sicily. It's right off the highway, so perfect for anyone driving south, and its extremely famous (but affordable) restaurant makes the whole trip worth it. Rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV and pay TV, and mini-bar. From 84.75 EURO/night. Click here for more information.

In Italy Online does not currently work with the properties below, but we are always happy to inform our readers about places we or other readers love (or hate!). We cannot help you book these properties. To do it on your own, contact them well in advance. We recommend you telephone first, then follow up by sending our form letter in Italian.

HOTELS IN TROPEA & CAPO VATICANO

• Chalet Rocco is about 3000 feet above sea level. Owners don't speak much English but the five rooms are pretty and hospitality is friendly. In the Pollino National Park.
• Grand Hotel San Michele (87022 Cetraro; tel. 982/91012, fax 91430). A classic turn-of-the-century grand hotel with loads of charm, great service and impeccable facilities. Swimming pool, tennis, golf, private beach with restaurant; 73 large air-conditioned rooms. Closed in Nov.; $120.-200./double.
• Baia Paraelios in Parghelia (Località Fornaci, 88035 Parghelia; tel. 963/6000004, fax 6000074) is an unforgettable holiday retreat. Just two miles from Tropea, it features 72 suites in well-appointed bungalows, each with its own secluded patio, all surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens that cascade down to a private sandy beach with aquiline waters. There are also three swimming pools and a tennis court, and dinner is incredibly romantic at the restaurant, built right over the beach. Book well in advance. Open June-September; Moderate.
• 501 Hotel (Via Madonnella, 88018 Vibo Valentia; tel. 963/43951, fax 43400) is a large modern hotel on the outskirts of town, with tennis courts and a swimming pool. Moderate.
• Sambalon (88030 Zambrone; tel. 963/392828, fax 45415) is a great choice for families. A self-sufficient holiday village halfway between Tropea and Vibo, it has a restaurant, pizzeria, snack bar, discotheque, market, laundry and ironing rooms, supervised playgrounds, and organized activities on its own private beach. Bungalows sleep up to six and have kitchenettes and private patios. Open June-September; Moderate/week for four people, including some meals. Other plans also available.
• San Giorgio (Via Citarelli 8, 89049 Stilo; tel. 964/775047 or 629306) is a small hotel located in a 17th-century palace that was once the Cardinal's residence. Rooms are simple, clean and very pleasant, and proprietor Francesco Carari keeps plenty of fascinating friends around to entertain his guests. Inexpensive, including breakfast.
• Fata Morgana (Via Lungomare, 80127 Gallico; tel. 965/370008, fax 370000) is one of the nicest small hotels in this area. Blissfully located outside of Reggio and near the A3 exit, its rooms are fairly spacious and nicely decorated. Make sure you get a room overlooking the sea. There's also a swimming pool and sundeck. Moderate, including breakfast.